We are now at the midpoint of my six-year term as bishop of the Pacifica Synod, so this seems like a great moment to pause, evaluate where we are, and set whatever course corrections are needed to accomplish our mutual goals.

In my first newsletter article to the synod, I outlined seven themes that I wanted to shape my time in this office. They were to be my guiding stars as I navigate the myriad demands of this office. These are the themes:

1. Radical Inclusivity
2. Setting and Context Matter

• We are a border synod
• We are a coastal synod
• We are a diverse synod

1. Decentralizing our synod staff is more effective.
2. Innovation is essential.
3. The parish is more important than the congregation.
4. Self-care is not selfish.
5. Love is at the center of all we do.

We have made some headway on many of these themes while others are still in process. Here are a few accomplishments that I celebrate:

• We have a deployed staff model with our Regional Assistants to the Bishop. These excellent leaders help with mobility, DEI, Youth ministry, First Call Accompaniment, and our Regional Gatherings and Synod Assemblies.
• We have created a new Assistant to the Bishop for Anti-Racism Coordination position. That position is currently open, and we pray for a new leader to build on the work that we have done so far.
• We have a new position that will strengthen and expand our ministry in Spanish-speaking communities in the Assistant to the Bishop for Latiné Ministry. A new synod strategy is being developed by the leaders of these congregations.
• Our focus on the border has increased. The Day of Theological Reflection and our increased involvement in Border Church have educated and inspired many to action.
• The combination of a shortage of full-time calls and a lack of ministry candidates have moved us to innovate new ways to fill our pulpits. Currently, many congregations are exploring a new model we call Cooperative Ministry Communities that will share pastoral staff and raise up synodically authorized ministers in local congregations.
• We have added resources to help with spiritual guidance and coaching for ministry.
• We opened more avenues for lay education by expanding the use of the Cathryn Wright funds.
• We have seen the birth of Tapestry retreats for people in the LGBTQIA+ communities.
• We have started Regional Gatherings every other year to share and listen more effectively to the people in our congregations.
• We are encouraging rostered leaders to renew their ordination vows in Chrism Services held each Holy Week.
• The synod council has accepted several congregations into synodical administration or synodical preservation and we are walking with these communities through a time of discernment.
• We continue to manage our resources well and give away grants for ministries throughout our synod. We continue to pass along 51% of our mission support to the ministries of the wider ELCA.
• When disaster struck in Maui, we raised over $140K to support relief work.
• We have worshipped together, marched together, prayed together, sung together, and laughed and cried together.
• We have restarted the Middle School Youth Gathering, and we had the coolest shirts in New Orleans at the High School National Gathering!

There are some other themes that did not get the attention they deserve. We were not as deliberate when it came to our environmental stewardship. Being a coastal synod, we have been called to bear witness to the health of the ocean and the ecosystems of Southern California and Hawai’i.

We could also do a better job of helping each other keep love at the center of all we do. In these challenging times, it is easy to get judgmental and not see people with whom we disagree as children of God instead of enemies. This requires a deep spiritual practice. It is my pledge to you to make sure that I am engaged in this practice and to help our synod do the same.

I would love to hear what you think. As I reach this midpoint in my term, what is the synod doing that is helpful for you? What are we missing? How can I better serve your ministry as your bishop? Below is a link to a survey that will allow you to provide some helpful feedback. Please take 5-10 minutes and let us know how we are doing and how we can serve you more effectively.

You can take the survey here. Your responses are automatically anonymous unless you supply us with your name and email address.

Finally, let me thank you all for the privilege of serving as your bishop. I love this synod and I love our leaders! We have been uniquely positioned at this time to do significant ministry together. I find great joy in this call. I am so deeply grateful for my staff colleagues and for you, my partners in the gospel.

Peace,

Bishop Dave

Support Immigrants

Through AMMPARO and CLUE

THANK YOU for your wonderful support of migrants, asylum seekers, and immigrants! We are in this together! We will not turn our backs on those who are suffering and we will continue to prayerfully do what we can!

What you can do:

1. Come to AMMPARO meetings and contact Pastor Karla Halvorson or a planning team member to find out more! You can text Pastor Karla at 858-442-6761. The next meeting is Saturday, September 13, at 10 am, and you can join via Zoom here. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A NEW LINK! (Meeting ID: 870 8107 6920  Passcode: AMMPARO) 

2. Faith leaders in the San Diego area are invited to join the Catholic Diocese of San Diego and Detention Resistance as courthouse escorts. This is someone who meets with asylum seekers and goes into courtrooms with them to support them and help them feel safe. This is especially important in this moment where many of these asylum seekers will be detained and kidnapped by ICE when they exit the courtroom. Having sustained volunteer presence matters even if it's just to witness what is happening and pass that information on to others. To participate or to get more information, text Krystle J of Detention Resistance at 858-382-2109.

3. Faith leaders in Orange County or Los Angeles can consider joining the CLUE Rapid Response network in Orange and Los Angeles County. CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice) have long been advocates of immigrant rights and are looking for volunteers to help in many ways, including Courtroom Observation and Accompaniment. Speaking a second language is helpful but not required. Click here to find out more info on providing immigrant support at the courthouses in Los Angeles and Santa Ana.

Tapestry Retreat #2

September 19-21, 2025

Tapestry is a ministry of the Pacifica Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), dedicated to inspiring and educating LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies. Through our retreat weekends, we foster community and deepen our understanding of Christ from a Queer perspective. Participants leave these retreats empowered to serve as beacons of faith, providing support and connection to those seeking a safe space to express their spirituality.

This is our second retreat weekend and we look forward to sharing God's love with our communities once more. Join us for a weekend of spiritual renewal. We will hear talks from LGBTQ+ clergy and lay leaders; spend time in small groups to reflect, connect and create; enjoy free time for creating, praying or holy rest.

Arrival time is 5 PM on Friday night and a meal will be provided. Later that night we will have an open circle of getting to know each other and then proceed to a meditation before retiring for the evening. Meals included for the weekend: Friday - dinner, Saturday - breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and Sunday - breakfast and lunch. There will be plenty of snacks throughout the weekend to satisfy even the most voracious appetites.

The Retreat Center charges $253 for the weekend but in order to make this retreat possible for everyone, you are invited to pay whatever you can to attend, even if it's $0! Those who are able to donate more to support others are encouraged to do so.

Come experience God's love for you in a space designed with you in mind! Registration is required to attend, so register by September 11.

If you have questions about this event, please contact Pastor Rachel Reeder at revrachelreeder@gmail.com.

Theoasis Registration Open!

October 14-16, 2025

Theoasis is back! This joint church leaders’ event is a theological oasis for rostered leaders, professional lay church staff, youth leaders, church administrators, office managers, outdoor ministry leaders, worship leaders, and anyone else doing ministry. All are welcome! 

Theoasis will be held at the Embassy Suites in La Quinta, CA, from Tuesday, October 14 to Thursday, October 16, focusing on the theme “Blessed are the Poor—In Mind, Body, and Spirit.” Registration is now open and will close on October 3, so the sooner you get in, the better. The special room rate is only available until September 13 or until the group block is sold out, which is even MORE reason to register early!

For more information about this impactful event, including speakers, schedule, and crucial hotel information, go here.

Middle School Youth Gathering

November 14-16, 2025

Why be normal? It's time to live outside the box! Middle School Youth Gathering is BACK, November 14 through 16, and this year, we’re heading to Knott’s Berry Farm for a weekend of worship, encouragement, games, surprises, and five whole seconds of suspended terror as we wait for the drop on Hang Time.

Registration is now live, so if you have youth in the Pacifica or Southwest California Synods who are entering 6th through 9th grades, sign up now to secure your spots. And, just like last year, high school students (grades 10 through 12) are also welcome to come along for a special leadership track.

Pricing, dates, times, room information, and more details are available at the registration page, so head over there and get your group signed up ASAP.

Dates for 2026 Regional Gatherings, "A-Zoom-bly"

We are pleased to announce the dates for next year's in-person regional gatherings and our all-synod assembly being held over Zoom. Complete location information will be forthcominghe dates are:

• April 25, 2026 – Hawaii Regional Gathering (at LC of Honolulu)
• May 2, 2026 – Location TBD
• May 9, 2026 – Location TBD
• May 16, 2026 – Location TBD

And the A-Zoom-bly:

• June 20, 2026

Watch this space for more details as they become available!

Spanish Coaching Training

November 7-8, 2025

The Pacifica Synod is excited to be offering coaching training and resources to the Spanish-speaking members of your congregation. We will be hosting a two-day training workshop November 7-8 at the Synod offices. Registration information will be available soon, so save the date and keep your eyes peeled for more information!

What Does My Offering Do?

The ELCA recently released this Mission Support video that details how congregational offering supports ministries around the world through our synods and churchwide organization. Of the $1.6 billion given to ELCA congregations and worshiping communities as regular offerings, most stays with the congregation to fund its vital ministry. A portion — about 5% on average — becomes Mission Support, given by congregations to our synods. Mission Support ensures that synods can find and equip leaders of all ages and deploy an array of ministries, including those of synod companions and those for youth and young adults. Our synods, in turn, give a portion of that Mission Support to our churchwide organization to fund our shared work across the country and around the world. Mission Support is possible only because of your congregational offering. Read more stories about Mission Support at livinglutheran.org/SOFIA.

Interim Ministry Discernment Course

Begins September 11, 2025

Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association is offering a full basic course of "Training in Transitions" for those who are considering intentional interim ministry as a possibility for their future. More information about this full course is available here.

Show Solidarity with Palestinian Christians

with the Holy Land Accompaniment Pilgrimage

March 9-19, 2026

The ELCJHL (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land) is inviting the Pacifica and Southwest California Synods to the Holy Land early next year for an accompaniment pilgrimage. Come be with Palestinian Christians and experience the challenges they encounter just trying to live out their faith in the face of enormous structural obstacles. Yes, you'll see the historic foundations of the early Church--Capernaum, the Mount of Olives, the Sea of Galilee, and others--but more importantly, you'll form relationships with those who are building on those very foundations today. Have your faith inspired and your hope challenged.

Senior 101 Class

September 6, 2025

The Mission Collaborative of Southeast Los Angeles County is an ecumenical collection of congregations who would together to do outreach in the Whittier/La Mirada Area. Salem Lutheran in Whittier is one of the Collaborative members and invites you to this educational event. RSVP in advance by emailing whittierlamiradahope@gmail.com or calling 714-759-4040.

Messiah Lutheran Church in Yorba Linda will mark 40 years of shared ministry between the congregation and Pastor Bob and Jeannie Mooney this September. Rather than focusing on speeches or ceremonies, Messiah will celebrate by living out their mission to Love God and Love One Another through a community-wide Day of Service.

On Saturday, September 6th, Messiah invites church members, friends, neighbors, and the local community to take part in three different service opportunities. The morning of service projects will be followed by a beach–themed Fall Kickoff Celebration at Messiah Lutheran Church.

“This is not about one person—it’s about the partnership we’ve built together over 40 years of ministry,” says Pastor Bob Mooney. “Loving God and loving one another is who we are, and this is how we celebrate.”

The day will conclude with an evening of food, live music, and fun activities at Messiah Lutheran Church, reflecting on the service completed and celebrating the 40-year journey of shared ministry and its impact on each other, the community, and the world.

Luther Glen Farm Fall Festival Kickoff

September 7, 2025

Luther Glen Farm excitedly invites your congregation and their friends to their FIRST Fall Festival Kickoff on September 7th from 3-8PM. Admission is free!

Gods Work Our Hands is an incredibly special day for us to be good stewards to our communities and God's beautiful creation with a little bit of hard work surrounded by the people we love. After doing that work at your home congregation, come and relax and with live music, a beer, good food, and fun farm activities.

If your congregation needs a service project…look no further! We are asking people to donate egg cartons and spend some time decorating them to add some Lutheran love to the eggs.  

Our summer campers volunteered their time this summer by planting crops for the fall harvest and readying the farm for new opportunities for our beloved animals. Come and see the good work that our youth have done. All are welcome! Please, feel free to invite your neighbors and friends to this celebration of the start of the fall season!

Japanese Art Song Concert

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

September 7, 2025

Good Shepherd Lutheran in Claremont invites you to the first in this season's "Adventures in Music" concert series. This first edition is all about The Mystical World of European and Japanese Art Song and will feature soprana Ikuko Fagan. The concert begins at 5:00 pm. For more information or to see the rest of the slate, visit the church website.

Free, Research-Based, Community Workshop

September 19-20, 2025

You’re invited to reserve complimentary seats for your youth community at Spark San Diego, a no‑cost, research‑based experience designed to reduce burnout, strengthen relationships, and create lasting positive change. We especially welcome you, your staff, students (13+), and parents to attend together. 

“Spark San Diego” is an intergenerational event that invites youth, parents, educators, faith leaders, and community partners to gather for a pre-workshop dinner highlighting storytelling, research-backed strategies, and hands-on activities that turn positivity into a ripple effect throughout families, schools, and neighborhoods. This event is hosted by St. Andrews Lutheran.

TACO In Need of Immediate Funds

Many of your churches or church members have been faithful supporters of the Third Avenue Charitable Organization (TACO) at First Lutheran Church in San Diego. TACO is a community drawn together to support the dignity, health, and well-being of people among us experiencing homelessness and poverty in San Diego. Essential services include hot meals, medical/dental/legal clinics, mail services, and showers. 

The TACO board met last week to discuss some dire news.

Donations have fallen sharply, while the number of people turning to us for meals, showers, clothing, and support continues to grow. Many of our guests are seniors from the nearby housing high-rises who are struggling with the rising cost of living, and we are also seeing more first-time homeless individuals seeking help. 

The board is working on some long-term planning to stay afloat, but in the meantime, TACO is in immediate need of financial assistance to help cover its operating expenses and continue providing its crucial services. Here are some ways you can help:

• Make a special one-time or recurring donation here.
• If you are a regular giver to TACO, please consider "frontloading" the remainder of your 2025 donation.
• Sponsor a meal ($5) or a full meal service for one day ($250).
• Share a message to your social media networks to ask for donations.
• Register for Bike the Bay the TACO Way.

Free Church Communications Resources

Vero Communications, a firm specializing in equipping progressive ministries with innovative communication strategies, regularly releases free communication resources for church leaders. These resources are free tools and templates to help you communicate with clarity and lead with confidence—made for ministry, nonprofits, and the work that matters. 

Current resources include:

• Improve Your Canva Graphics in 15 Min.
• Content Calendar Template + Idea Bank
• Take Your Instagram to the Next Level in 5 Steps
• Do's and Don'ts of Crisis Communications

Download these free resources here. Learn more about Vero Communications here.

Vero Communications is run by Sierra Pacific Synod native Catherine Slabaugh and ELCA Gathering staff member Justin Wilson.

Music Director (Part-Time)

St. Andrew's Lutheran, San Diego

St. Andrew's Lutheran in San Diego is seeking a part-time Music Director to be responsible for coordinating Christian music at all worship services, including collaboration with soloists, ensembles, and choirs. The Music Director will provide opportunities for volunteers to utilize their musical gifts in service to the ministry of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church. For a full job description or to apply, visit the listing on Indeed.

Director of Faith Formation

Calvary Lutheran, Solana Beach

Calvary Lutheran in Solana Beach is seeking a Director of Faith Formation. The DFF works in cooperation with the pastor and ministry teams to envision, coordinate and implement ministry and relationships with children, youth, families, adults and volunteers. They will lead the Children & Family and Youth Ministry Teams and volunteers that assist these ministries, fostering a dynamic community that provides sound Biblical teaching and spiritual care. The long-term vision includes helping facilitate Calvary Small Groups and Adult Faith Formation, establishing and leading Calvary Young Adults programming, supporting creation and maintenance of the congregation’s website and social media platforms (in coordination with Calvary's Communication Team), and/or other duties (including those that utilize the Director’s unique gifts).

A full job description can be found at this link. Those interested are asked to email a resume and cover letter to Pastor Mark Donald at calvarylutheranjobs@gmail.com.

Youth and Family Coordinator (Part-Time)

St. Paul Lutheran, Fullerton

St. Paul Lutheran Church is seeking an enthusiastic, creative and energetic individual for a position to grow our Youth and Family Ministries. The Youth and Family Coordinator will be responsible for designing programs that engage, guide, and mobilize the gifts of others, including spiritual formation, education, mission, service, fun and outreach.

A full job description can be found at this link. Interested applicants are asked to email a resume, cover letter, and this completed application to stpaulfullerton@gmail.com. Applications must be received by September 30, 2025.

Organist

Incarnation Lutheran, Poway

Incarnation Lutheran Church (ILC) in Poway is seeking an organist to help us experience and celebrate God’s gifts of grace in worship at our traditional Sunday worship service at 11am. ILC has a long history of excellent music expressed through our musicians, vocal and bell choirs, congregational singing, instrumental ensembles, and soloists. If interested and qualified, candidate could apply to be considered at a later date as Director of Music and/or vocal and bell Choir Director. 

A full job description can be found at this link. Those interested are asked to contact the church office at Servants@GodAmong.us with questions or to send letters of interest/resumes.

Children, Youth, & Family Director

Mount Cross, Camarillo (Southwest CA Synod)

Mount Cross in Camarillo is seeking an enthusiastic and creative Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Director (CYFD) to support our children, youth, and family ministry programs. This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about fostering community, connecting with youth and families, and driving engagement.

A full job description can be found at this link. Those interested are asked to email a resume and cover letter to jobs@mountcross.com.